Thomas s



(ModeL) T. s. GLAISTER.

PERM'ENTING BUNG. No. 358,854. Patented Dec. "7, 1886.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS S. GLAISTER, OF SONOMA, CALIFORNIA.

FERMENTlNG-BUNG.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 353,854,6ated December 7, 1886.

Application filed July 8, 1886. Serial No. 207,518. (ModeL) To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Tnoiuiis S. GLAISTER, of Sonoma, Sonoma county, State of California, have invented an Improvement in Fermenting-Bungs; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

My invention relates to the class of bungs for casks or vessels containing fermented liquors which are provided with a valve for the escape of gas under undue pressure; and my invention consists in the peculiar construction of the valve and its application to the bung as I shall hereinafter fully describe.

The object of my invention is to provide a simple and serviceable bung of this class, which is effective in its operation and is not likely to get out of order.

Referring to the accompanying drawings for a more complete explanation of my invention, Figure 1 is a vertical section of my fermenting-bung. Fig. 2 is a top view of same.

A is the keg, cask, or other vessel containing the fermentedliquor. 'Bisitsbung. This bung is perforated through its center. The valve consists of an annular piece, 0, having on its lower end a hollow threaded stem, 0, which screws down into the perforated center of the bung, a washer, 0, being placed between the lower end of the piece 0 and the top of the bung, forming a tight joint.

In the upper portion of the piece 0 is shouldered or chambered out a valve-seat, in which a packing-washer, c, is placed. O e side of the piece 0 is formed with a slotted lug, c, in which is pivoted the shank (Z of thevalve cover or plate D. This cover fits down closely upon the top of the piece 0 and rests upon the washer c in its valve-seat, so that when closed down a tight joint is formed. 0n the other side of the piece 0 is formed a lip, c. A rubber band, E, serves as a spring for holding the valve-coverD in place. This band is preferably arranged by fitting it around the stem 0 of the piece 0, twisting it tinder the lug c thence crossing it over the top of the cover D in small grooves (1, made in its edges, front, and back, and finally securing it under the lip c. I have found that a rubber band is more serviceable than any other form of spring. in that its bearing upon the cover is more equal,

and presses down upon its back edge as well as its forward edge, thus forming a tight joint for the cover all around;

The operation of my invention is as follows: The hollow bung and valve being in position in the vessel containing the fermented liquor, the gases from said vessel, when they have accumulated, will raise slightly the cover Dof the valve, which thereby relieves the pressure. In this way no danger need be feared that the vessel will burst-an accident which frequently happens especially upon what is known as the second fermentation of the liquor.

The casks have to be filled repeatedly, and with my device this can be readily done by simply unscrewing the valve of the hollow bung, whereby the liquor may be poured through the bung; or this may be effected by raising the valve-cover only.

I am aware that spring-actuated valves have been applied to casks,&c.,containingfermented liquor. said valves being adapted to open at predetermined pressure. I am also aware that safety-valves have been attached to steam-boilers to regulate the pressure therein; also, that bungs for the preservation of beer have been provided with a ring covered with flannel or cloth, said bung havinga perforated pewter lid. These features I therefore do not broadly claim as my invention, but limit myself to the peculiar construction and combinations claimed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The hollow or perforated bung B, in co1nbination with a valve comprising the annular piece (3, having the lip c, a threaded stem, 0, screwed into the top of the bung, a chamber or valve-seat in the top of the annular piece, a package-washer, a lid or cover hinged to said piece, and a spring secured to said piece 0, fitting over and bearing on top of said lid and secured to the lip c, substantially as herein described.

2. In combination with the hollow or perforated bung B, the valve consisting of the annular piece 0, having a threaded stem, 0, screwed into the top of the bung, a packing- 10o washer, c", in its top, a lip, c, on one side of its top, and a slotted lug, c, on the other side,

the cover or lid D, hinged in the slotted lug band E, for holding said cover or lid down, the washer 0 between the base of piece 0 and. the top of the bung, and the packing-washer I 5 c in the top of the piece 0, all arranged and adapted to operate-substantially as herein described. v In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand. I

THOMAS S. 'GLAISTER Witnesses:

WILLIAM- P. WILSON, GEORGE H. H. CORNELIUS. 

